AHansom
Well-Known Member
Reinforced concrete is a heck of a lot more expensive and technology-intensive. If the conditions are right for an earth dam, it may be the right solution, provided the spillways, etc. are properly built and maintained *cough*. For example, one of my engineering professors told me about three dams straddling the San Andreas fault that were basically built in the early 20th century with earth movers to bring the dirt and large flocks of sheep* to compact it. Those dams have done fine through a lot of earthquakes.
Did your professor talk about this dam? Not sure they used sheep but it might have helped.. Its real close to the San Andreas Fault and was made of concrete.
[video=youtube;_6AvEZO34xI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6AvEZO34xI[/video]